The ongoing friction within the House GOP boiled over on Wednesday as Speaker Mike Johnson found himself at a crossroads, facing the likelihood of temporarily giving up control of the House floor come January.
Why Is This Significant?
The displeasure within the GOP regarding Johnson (R-La.) has been brewing for some time. However, what’s surprising is how House Republicans are now venting their frustrations not only at him but also at one another.
- In a show of dissatisfaction, Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) stated bluntly, “Those members need not ask me for any help in their campaigns whatsoever,” referring to the centrist Republicans who had signed the discharge petition that aims to mandate a House vote on continuing the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits.
- A number of conservatives are vehemently against anything that would support the ACA, leading them to feel personally let down by this recent move.
A Closer Look
Many centrist Republicans expressed anger over Johnson’s refusal to permit votes on their suggestions for extending the subsidies. This pushed some to support House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) as they felt that was their only option.
- Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) criticized the situation, saying, “Our team should’ve submitted a compromise. Now we’re stuck voting for a much worse option. It’s just so frustrating.”
- On Wednesday, four Republican representatives—Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Robert Bresnahan (R-Pa.), and Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.)—joined the discharge petition.
Stepping Back
Despite the turmoil, Johnson maintained that he hasn’t “lost control of the House.”
- He pointed out, “We have the smallest majority in US history. These are not normal times,” during a press interaction on Wednesday.
- Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) defended Johnson, stating, “He’s got the toughest job in America right now.” Additionally, he remarked that if Johnson were to introduce a bill to extend the ACA tax credits, conservatives would demand action against him, saying nine could successfully move to vacate his chair.
What Lies Ahead?
Concurrently, over in the Senate, certain Republicans are gearing up to utilize the discharge petition—which seeks to prolong the premium tax credits for three years—as an opportunity for a bipartisan bill.
- This bill, if passed, would return to the House but may struggle to gain support without significant Democratic backing.
Reporting contributions by Axios’ Andrew Solender.
